Wine cork stamp

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a cork stamp system and method for application with a wine bottle where the cork stamp system includes: a disc like stamp, where the stamp includes a first surface and second surface; a unique design impression on the first surface and adhesive on the second surface; and a cork wherein the cork may be used for closing an open end of a wine bottle. The adhesive surface of the cork stamp according to the present invention abuts the cork upon insertion into a wine bottle. The adhesive on the second surface of cork stamp firmly adheres the stamp to the cork. The unique design impression acquires stamping capabilities after insertion into the wine bottle.

BACKGROUND INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a unique cork stamp for a wine bottle.

2. Description of the Related Art

The cork stopper is a well-known device used to seal wine bottles and has been used throughout history. Corks are made of a woody material taken directly from a cork oak tree. Corks are inserted into wine bottles during the bottling process and remain within the bottle until removed by the consumer to enjoy the contents thereof.

Many corks include designs and designations stamped into the corks to indicate the origin of the wine and the manufacturer thereof. The design and designation may be impressed upon a cork after it is cut to size. The cork designs may be placed anywhere on the cork, top, bottom or on the side. Once the cork seals the wine bottle and the bottle is placed in a storage position, normally horizontally. While the cork lies within the wine bottle it consequently absorbs some of the wine during transit and storage. The absorption of the wine leaves a color impression upon the cork which is visible once the cork is removed from the bottle. Therefore as used in prior art, corks serve the primary purpose of sealing the wine within the bottle during transit and storage and also provides a means of marketing and designation of the wine itself.

It would be advantageous to use some of the inherent properties that the cork encounters and develops while being stored within the wine bottle. Specifically if the absorption encountered by the cork could be somehow used in a productive manner for the consumer then it may provide an added feature and novelty that could be a selling point for a wine manufacturer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cork stamp system for application with a wine bottle comprising: a disc like stamp, where the stamp includes a first surface and second surface; a unique design impression on the first surface and adhesive on the second surface; and a cork wherein the cork may be used for closing an open end of a wine bottle. The adhesive surface of the cork stamp according to the present invention abuts the cork upon insertion into a wine bottle. The adhesive on the second surface of cork stamp firmly adheres the stamp to the cork. The unique design impression acquires stamping capabilities after insertion into the wine bottle.

The present invention also relates to a method of creating a wine stamp comprising the steps of: creating an unique design impression on a first side of a disc like stamp; applying adhesive to a second side of the stamp; adhering the stamp to one end of a cork; and inserting the cork and stamp assembly into a wine bottle opening. The method further includes removing the cork and stamp assembly from the wine bottle; and impressing the unique design impression onto an object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a cork stamp according to the present invention.

FIG. 1B depicts an exploded view of the cork stamp according to the present invention.

FIG. 2A depicts the cork stamp according to the present invention outside of a bottle.

FIG. 2B depicts the cork stamp according to the present invention inside a bottle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a unique and novel wine cork stamp that can be utilized in conjunction with a wine cork and enable the consumer to have a stamping stopper for novelty purposes.

The wine cork stamp according to present invention is shown in the figures attached and specific attention should be directed to FIG. 1B. FIG. 1B shows the exploded view of the application of a wine cork stamp 10 to a cork 15. The composition shown in FIG. 1B is an exploded view and actually shows the cork 15 in an inverted position. A foil wrapper 5 is may be used to surround the end of the bottle once the cork is inserted into a wine bottle. FIG. 1A depicts the wine cork stamp inserted into a bottle 20 with the foil wrapper 5 surrounding the end cap.

The wine cork stamp 10 includes a stamp design surface 10 a and an adhesive surface 10 b. The wine cork stamp 10 is applied to one end of the cork 15 where the adhesive surface 10 b abuts the cork 15. Once the seal is made between the wine cork stamp 10 and the cork, the cork 15 may be inserted into a wine bottle. FIG. 2A shows the position of the cork 15 prior to insertion into a wine bottle. As shown, the wine cork stamp 10 is at the lower or bottom end of cork 15. When the cork 15 is inserted into the wine bottle the wine cork stamp 10 lies exposed to the wine contained within the bottle.

FIG. 2B depicts the wine Stamp 10 as it appears once the cork 15 has been inserted into a wine bottle. The wine bottle 20 is shown in FIG. 2B and this representation does not include foil 5 in order to have a clear view of the cork 15 and the wine cork stamp 10. The wine cork stamp 10 may lie below the surface of the wine within the wine bottle 20 even when the wine bottle is in its upright position. However certainly the wine cork stamp 10 will come into contact with the wine in its normal horizontal storage position. While the wine cork stamp 10 remains within the bottle it absorbs a portion of the wine that's within the bottle in order to enable its stamping and impression capabilities.

The wine cork stamp 10 provides a means to create a unique image or pattern that can be applied for marketing or promotional purposes. A wine collector may also use this wine stamp to transfer the distinct design onto a paper or notebook for cataloging purposes. Any design or label may be imprinted upon the design surface 10 a of the wine cork stamp 10. The most likely designs may be related to marketing or trademark characteristics of the wine manufacturer. Also freshness labeling and dating information may be placed upon the wine cork stamp and again this is for cataloging purposes for the wine collector.

The adhesive 10 b used in adhering the wine cork stamp to the cork 15 should be of sufficient strength and toxicity in order to adhere to the cork 15 during storage and shipping of the wine and yet not interfere with the taste and flavor of the wine within the bottle. The wine cork stamp 10 may be designed of various colors and shapes or distinctions that are able to distinguish it in the marketplace. The cork 15 as used in accord with the present invention therefore serves two purposes, one for the corking or stopping of a wine bottle opening and due to the addition of the wine cork stamp 10 a novel impression stamping device for the consumer to use as desired. 

1. A cork stamp system for application with a wine bottle comprising: a. a disc like stamp, where the stamp includes a first surface and second surface; b. a unique design impression on the first surface and adhesive on the second surface; and c. a cork wherein the cork may be used for closing an open end of a wine bottle.
 2. The cork stamp system according to claim 1, where the stamp abuts the cork upon insertion into a wine bottle.
 3. The cork stamp system according to claim 1, where the stamp is adhered to the cork via the adhesive on the second surface.
 4. The cork stamp system according to claim 2 where the unique design impression acquires stamping capabilities after insertion into the wine bottle.
 5. A method of creating a wine stamp comprising the steps of: a. creating an unique design impression on a first side of a disc like stamp; b. applying adhesive to a second side of the stamp; c. adhering the stamp to one end of a cork; and d. inserting the cork and stamp assembly into a wine bottle opening.
 6. The method of creating a wine stamp according to claim 5 further comprising: a. removing the cork and stamp assembly from the wine bottle; and b. impressing the unique design impression onto an object. 